Devils Lake annexes land for Walmart

Following a public hearing regarding the annexation of land for the building of a new Walmart, the Devils Lake City Commission approved a resolution at its meeting Monday night to annex the parcel of land located east of Devils Lake, south of Highway 2 and west of the 17th Street Embankment and across the street from the Topper Motel.

Following a public hearing regarding the annexation of land for the building of a new Walmart, the Devils Lake City Commission approved a resolution at its meeting Monday night to annex the parcel of land located east of Devils Lake, south of Highway 2 and west of the 17th Street Embankment and across the street from the Topper Motel.

City Administrator Terry Johnston reported that the city had not received any written input from the public regarding annexing the land. Addressing the commission Monday night regarding the annexation was Nels Halgren of the Greater Ramsey Water District. Halgren said he has "no objections" to the annexation but that the water district would like to have an agreement with the city regarding this and other annexations, since the district provides water and sewer service to the area.

Halgren recently delivered a draft agreement letter to the city commission office that was written by the water district's attorney. Mayor Dick Johnson said the city is interested in working out an agreement with the district with the first step being to have City Attorney Tom Traynor review the agreement.

In commission portfolio reports, Gary Martinson, city assessor and building inspector, offered a motion, which was approved to purchase lots at the Roundhouse subdivision on which townhouses will be built. Myron Asleson, public ways department supervisor, said the city, weather permitting, will begin Jan. 8 to cut down 20 dead trees marked for destruction throughout the city. City Engineer Mike Grafsgaard said the new fish cleaning station is set to officially open Jan. 18.

The next city commission will be Monday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the city offices.